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Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: A Native California Paradise

Discover California's native plants in a serene natural setting. Explore diverse landscapes and historic landmarks at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

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Nestled in Santa Barbara's Mission Canyon, the Botanic Garden is a living museum dedicated to California's native flora. Explore diverse plant communities across 78 acres, from redwood forests to desert landscapes, and discover the region's natural beauty and cultural history.

A brief summary to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations are required and can be booked up to two months in advance.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, as some paths and trails can be uneven.
  • Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Mission Canyon Road and Tunnel Road, head north on Mission Canyon Road. The Botanic Garden will be on your right in approximately 1 mile. Follow the signs for visitor parking. Note that the parking lot can be tight for maneuvering, and vehicles longer than 31 feet are not permitted. Parking is free with a confirmed reservation.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Santa Barbara, take the MTD Line 33 bus towards the Transit Center. From there, transfer to a taxi or ride-sharing service for the final 4-mile leg to the Botanic Garden. The bus fare is approximately $2, and the taxi/ride-share will cost between $12-$18. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or ride-share directly from downtown Santa Barbara to the Botanic Garden for approximately $17-$21.

Unlock the Best of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

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Discover more about Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, established in 1926, is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving and showcasing California's native plant life. Located in picturesque Mission Canyon, the 78-acre garden features over 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants, representing diverse ecosystems from across the state. Visitors can explore a variety of distinct plant communities, including a redwood forest, a desert section, and a meadow. The garden's trails wind through these landscapes, offering stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Channel Islands. The historic Mission Dam and Aqueduct, constructed in 1806 by Native Americans under the direction of Spanish padres, are also located within the garden, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural past. The Botanic Garden has evolved over the years, with significant contributions from landscape architects like Beatrix Farrand and Lockwood de Forest Jr.. In 1936, the garden narrowed its focus to plants native to the California Floristic Province. The garden also has a plant breeding program, introducing various plants such as Aesculus californica 'Canyon Pink' and Arctostaphylos 'Canyon Blush'. In 2009, the Jesusita Fire impacted the garden, burning a significant portion of the area. However, the garden has since recovered, with plant communities regenerating and new facilities like the John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Center being added. Today, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden continues to serve as a vital resource for conservation, education, and appreciation of California's native flora.

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